Metabolic Syndrome - Risk Factors, Diagnosing and Treating

While metabolic syndrome is not a disease itself, it is a condition that can pose some serious dangers to your health. Metabolic syndrome increases your risk for coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Sanford Women’s is here for you. To help you control the condition, be aware and make positive lifestyle changes.

Risk factors

Extra weight around the waist and upper parts of the body

Insulin resistance

Aging

Hormonal changes

Lack of exercise

Excess blood clotting

High blood sugar

High blood pressure

Unhealthy cholesterol levels

Diagnosing metabolic syndrome

Signs you’re at risk:

Blood pressure: = or > 130/85

Fasting blood sugar: = or > 100 mg/dL

Waist circumference: 35 inches or more

HDL: under 50 mg/dL

Triglycerides: = or > 150 mg/dL

Testing for metabolic syndrome:

Blood pressure measurement

Glucose test

HDL cholesterol level

LDL cholesterol level

Total cholesterol level

Triglyceride level

Treating metabolic syndrome
If you’re at risk for metabolic syndrome it is time to get serious about getting healthy.

Lose weight by cutting calories to 500-1000 per day and getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise

Lower cholesterol through weight loss, exercise and medications

Lower blood pressure

Quit smoking

At Sanford Women’s Internal Medicine Clinic, we’re here for you. We understand the importance of early detection and prevention of metabolic syndrome. That’s why we offer the Metabolic Clinic every month at the Plaza in Sioux Falls. This two-hour educational session is an opportunity for women to come together and discuss risk and treatment.

Talk to your provider to find out if the Metabolic Clinic is right for you. Call (605) 328-9700 to register for available dates and times.

Posted Date: July 2012

While metabolic syndrome is not a disease itself, it is a condition that can pose some serious dangers to your health.